Long Service Medal for Westbury soldier

Warrant Officer Steve Bernal (52), a former pupil of Matravers School Westbury, has been awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal for 36 years of loyal service in the British Army, outstanding dedication and irreproachable conduct.

Steve Bernal grew up in Westbury, and joined the Army Catering Corps as a chef in June 1981. In 1993 he transferred to the Royal Logistic Corps.

During his military career, Steve has served in the United States of America, Canada, the Falkland Islands, Belize, Oman, Cyprus, Denmark, Norway, France, Poland, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He also completed an operational tour in Northern Ireland and in Saudi Arabia (Operation GRANBY).

The award ceremony was held at the NATO Officer’s Mess in Sennelager, Germany, where Major General Richard James Aethelstan Stanford MBE, GOC Regional Command, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal to Warrant Officer Class 2 Steve Bernal.

When asked how he looks back onto his long military career, Steve said, “So far, I have totally enjoyed my time in the army, serving in many countries and meeting lots of people of many cultures. The army has so much to offer if you want to achieve a better life, develop skills and experience adventure. It’s one of the best places to learn a trade and use it to the full.”

In March 1997 Steve Bernal was awarded with the Long Service and Good Conduct medal for his long standing faithful and meritorious service in the British Army.

In 2004 he signed up to the Long Service List to continue his military career in a new role as housing and estate manager. In total, he has served 21 years of his career in Germany, where he is currently employed as manager at the British Möhnesee Sail Training Centre in Körbeke near Soest. Highly qualified, he improved and expanded services and ensured that the centre offers a wide range of courses to allow service personnel to gain qualifications to enhance and promote sailing within the British Forces.

The Meritorious Service Medal also recognizes Steve’s selfless commitment and service to British Forces Germany, the wider army community and active support of various charitable organisations.

He has been actively involved within the Scout movement in Germany and organised the catering and activities for a North-West Europe Jamboree for scouts from several nations as well as numerous adventure-training activities for those undertaking Explorer scout and Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.

In 2006, Steve attended the SSAFA holidays scheme to give his time to those who require assistance, and he also supported a child with special needs for two years.